This
is not a sprint, it is a marathon!
I heard this a long time ago and talking to a friend, she reminded me of it. It is so true, we are here to stay for a while and not to kill ourselves on a the first attempt.
I personally have experienced this process a few times. In one of the instances I experienced the whole process, in others I recognize it coming and become proactive in seeing the end of it.
This is the purpose of this article. So we recognize the signs and go to God for help before it turns into a bigger disappointing experience.
1) STAGE
1: Exciting News!!!
Something exciting happens: an
open door from God, a change of job, etc.
In my experience every process has started with a new opportunity of ministry, a change of a job acquiring more responsibilities, etc. It has always being something good.
2) STAGE
2: Exciting
work!!!
Get my hands on the blessing
and start working hard to see is happening or keep it happening.
I love new challenges and to rise to the occasion. This is good but it can become harmful when out of control. Being a dreamer and never ceasing to create new possibilities can also intensify this situation. I love to be busy doing good things. I love to look at my agenda and see I am going somewhere, I am meeting people, I have a purpose.
My weakness is, many times, to dream my own dreams and find my own purpose for my life. That is why I cannot reinforce enough how our relationship with God is important, so our hearts can beat as one with His heart and we can look at things and oportunities with His eyes.
3) STAGE
3: God
needs my help!!
I add a few nice and personal touches
to God’s blessing. I start taking it over
…
It is not good over bad, but
good over best.
25/30% our agenda open for
unexpected things God will bring our way.
Our prayer time seeking His
guidance is a priority.
My tendency again is to look at my agenda with human eyes, being busy is a good thing. It is not! God wants a relationship with us, all the other things are secondary. Putting other things before God, even being busy in "His" work is wrong and lead us to distress.
Galatians
1:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or
am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I
would not be a servant of Christ.
4) STAGE
4: I must
be busy all the time!!
Work creates more work … stress
brings more stress, when it is out of control.
One moment of disconnect with God can lead us to a snow bowling situation of stress. Things will go out of control.
5) STAGE
5: This is
not what I expected!
Change of feelings: excitement
turns into resentment … opportunities turn into problems, other’s needs turn into
interruptions.
One of the signs I see in my life is that people who were my object of service become problems and interruptions in my life. I resent not having time for my family and for myself.
6) STAGE
6: I want
to be out of here!
Feeling down, unmotivated,
depressed … different reactions in
different people, the different stages of life (middle life crises, a lost, etc)
I had some of these signs in stress times and it became intensified. Things such as disappointment with other people, kids age, the loss of trust, the loss of a friendship, etc Those feelings plus the amount of work of expectations of others have lead me to want to go away from my circumstance.
Psalm 143:7-8
New International Version (NIV)
7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
7) STAGE
7: HELP!!!
Because my experiences in this area, I know more of God. He is bigger than before in my perception of Him. I learned more about His care, His wisdom, His guidance. Some times He may give you a desert experience, but this experience will only bless your walk with Him. It will turn the problem into a blessing. It may take time, He needs time to perfect His work.
Job 23:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 But he knows the way
that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Psalm 66:10
New International Version (NIV)
10 For you, God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.
Psalm 66:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 You let people ride over
our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.
